Modular units, clamping assemblies, and slicing machines equipped therewith

A method of modifying a slicing machine that comprises a cutting head having an axis, the cutting head comprising a modular unit and first and second support rings that are spaced apart in an axial direction of the cutting head, the modular unit comprising a first mounting block secured to the first support ring and a second mounting block secured to the second support ring so that the first and second mounting blocks are spaced apart in the axial direction of the cutting head, and a clamping assembly mounted to the first and second support rings with the first and second mounting blocks so as to extend between the first and second support rings, the clamping assembly comprising a first knife and a cam rod that has a camming portion that applies a clamping force to secure the first knife when the cam rod is rotated toward a clamping position and releases the clamping force when the cam rod is rotated toward a first release position, at least the first support ring establishing a first stop that prevents rotation of the cam rod beyond the first release position, the method comprising:

• replacing the first support ring with a third support ring that has a second stop that prevents rotation of the cam rod beyond a second release position, wherein the first and second stops on the first and third support rings are different so that the second release position established by the third support ring is different from the first release position established by the first support ring;
• removing the first knife from the clamping assembly;
• installing a second knife having a thickness that is different from the first knife;
• and
• rotating the cam rod toward the clamping position so that the camming portion thereof applies the clamping force to secure the second knife.